2020 Dragon Boat Race Rescheduled for October 31st
March 16, 2020

In the interest of public health and out of an abundance of caution, the CHRISTUS Ochsner Health Southwestern Louisiana Foundation has decided to reschedule the 2020 Dragon Boat Race for Saturday, October 31, 2020. The Dragon Boat Race is an annual community event benefitting Children’s Miracle Network.

This difficult decision was reached by CHRISTUS Ochsner Health Southwestern Louisiana Leadership in collaboration with numerous local, regional and state officials as a precaution to protect our most vulnerable populations as steps to limit the possibility of potential COVID-19 transmission. “The safety and well-being of the Lake Charles community is our top priority, and after careful consideration it’s clear this is the best course of action,” said Allison Schnake, Children’s Miracle Network Director.

“This is not a decision that has been made lightly. As a health care system it is our Mission to extend his Healing ministry, and in doing so - lead the way in being proactive to prevent the spread of the virus,” said Kay C. Barnett, CFRE, Executive Director of Development for the CHRISTUS Ochsner Southwestern Louisiana Foundation. “We look forward to continuing this annual tradition with the community this fall given that the virus is under control and activities for us all have returned to normal.”

Additionally, we suggest that everyone follow the CDC guidelines regarding prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases such as COVID-19 and the flu. The best things anyone can do to prevent the spread of illness are:

get a pneumonia shot if you have not already and are above the age of 65 or have diabetes or other illnesses that affect your heart or lungs.

In addition, we advise anyone who may be ill with fever, cough, shortness of breath or have traveled to any region that has known community spread of COVID-19, please contact your primary care provider before visiting their office so they can be sure to provide you with the best care possible while doing everything we can to keep our community healthy.